Join us the morning of July 5, 2018 before the Junior Optimist Convention begins for an optional shoreline cleanup as a community project! You can register for this activity by clicking the following link: http://shorelinecleanup.ca/cleanups/4gn02

Passports for U.S. Citizens
For Youth Members who are United States citizens, a passport will be required for entry into Canada. There are two types of passports: a passport card and a passport book. The passport card allows for international travel by land or sea only. The passport book allows for international travel by air, land and sea.
Resources

PLEASE NOTE: Youth Members who are planning to attend the JOI International Convention in Quebec City are encouraged to plan ahead as the processing time for a passport application can take up to six weeks.

Border Crossing Alert
Important information for people traveling from the United States into Canada for the JOI Convention:
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - International Events and Convention Services Program (IECSP) officially recognizes the convention. To avoid scrutiny when speaking to a customs agent at the Canadian border, you can print and carry this letter with you or mention you are traveling into Canada for the purpose of attending the JOI Convention.

Traveling with minors to Canada
Children under the age of 18 are considered minors in Canada. The adult who is not the parent or legal guardian of the child should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the child. The permission letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or legal guardian can be reached. The letter does not need to be certified. A photocopy of the parents’ or legal guardian’s signed passports or national identity cards should be attached to the letter. Please see this example from the Government of Canada’s website:
Recommended Consent Letter for Children Traveling Abroad
Note: The border services officer may not ask to see these documents when the child enters Canada. However, it is strongly recommended you bring them, in case you are asked. The minor child will not be admitted to Canada if the officer is not convinced that the parents or legal guardian have authorized his/her stay.
For additional information, please visit this section of the Government of Canada’s website:
Minor children travelling to Canada